A new report from the oPEN Lab consortium examines how neighbourhood‑scale approaches can support EU climate, energy and housing objectives. Drawing on experiences from Living Labs in Genk, Pamplona and Tartu, the publication highlights how integrated renovation, renewable energy deployment and citizen participation can reinforce resilience in communities facing energy, climate and social pressures.

Buildings remain central to Europe’s energy and housing challenges, with three‑quarters of the stock still energy‑inefficient and households increasingly exposed to volatile energy prices. The publication argues that neighbourhood‑based interventions can optimise energy use, enable shared infrastructure and strengthen local participation, offering a practical route to implement EU legislation such as the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive and the Renewable Energy Directive.

Positive Energy Neighbourhoods (PENs) are presented as flexible, modular systems that combine energy efficiency, renewable generation, storage, mobility solutions, and smart management. Their configuration varies by context, but all aim to reduce demand, increase flexibility, and support collective benefits. The report also outlines different organisational models, from community‑centred initiatives to policy‑driven approaches, emphasising the importance of co‑creation and inclusive governance.

The oPEN Lab findings show that PENs can help address energy poverty, improve indoor environments and support local economic activity. They also demonstrate how neighbourhood‑scale action can enhance trust, participation and long‑term maintenance of renovation efforts.